The difference between a paper based and electronic medical record system is where the paper-based records has been around for a very long time and have been known to be a replacement by computer-based records in the western health care systems. The electronic medical record (EMR) systems where mainly used for administrative usage rather than clinical purposes.
Whereas, the electronic medical record is a computerized health information system, it is paperless, multi provider of a computerized medical record, which has been a goal for many researchers, health professionals, for the past 20 plus years. Throughout the past decade, the change that has affected the western countries has become stronger than before. The evidence has shown that the current systems are safe, high quality, more efficient and the cost of effective healthcare with the electronic medical record system and will continue move forward.
There are terms that are used in the field that includes the electronic medical record (EMR), electronic patient record (EPR), and electronic health record (EHR), these provides patient’s care if be carried out with different practices or hospitals. The key capabilities of an electronic health record system that is used to identify the types of functions that are able to perform for efficiency in the health care system.
The eight capabilities includes Health information and data which is the key of access to information for patients’ diagnoses, lab test results and medications would help improve the decision s on time, Health information and data, result management, order management, decision support, electronic communication and connectivity, patient support, administrative process, and reporting.
Result management is the ability for the providers to care for patients to have the access of the test results and it would increase patient safety and care. Order management is the ability to enter and store orders for prescriptions, tests, and any other services. Decision support is when using reminders or other alerts with needing help to improve with the best clinics. Electronic communication and connectivity is secure and ready communication among other providers and patients would improve the quality of the care. Patient support are tools that give patients to have access to his or her health records and has interactive patient education, and to help them improve the control of chronic conditions. Administrative process is the computerized tools such as scheduling systems that would help improve hospitals and help them provide more on time service to patients. Reporting is electronic data storage that has data standards enables health care organizations to help respond more quickly to federal and state.
The benefits of a Electronic Medical Record is that it replaces a paper based medical record which the paper method can be in different parts in different locations, it is hard to read. Provides a single up to date source of information, is available at any time, and requires less space. The electronic medical record provides support for a wide range of sources including decision support, monitoring, electronic prescribing and ordering and the results will show on the screen. Maintains the data and information in order.
The electronic medical records are an electronic file of the patient’s history, medical notes, billing information and any other necessary information that is needed. I believe that it is true that the electronic medical record is a faster paced database and there are 10 benefits of an electronic medical record that both patients and practices need to have the knowledge.
First, one is speed, in medical practices, the speed helps with the ability to complete and manage any information. By having, a fast electronic medical record system, it requires less time and provides more time to care for other patients. Second, is storage the electronic medical record system is an electronic database of information that is able to store more information than the traditional systems. Third is security, an electronic medical record system supplies with back up files in case of emergencies. Fourth, is support, the type of support is through the electronic medical record software and provides access to medical codes. Fifth, is accessibility, which allows information to be downloaded directly to a PDA or Palm device and allows patients to access their health care information from any location. Sixth is affordability, the type of technology that is used for the electronic medical record system software uses online technology and most of the costs are reduced to monthly usage fees.
Seventh is infrastructure is the simplified into on online database that can be used for many offices. The eighth is versatility which allows multiple users to helps connect to users to access patients personal and online support services. Ninth is efficiency, which takes all of the duties that are involved and divides by time and money, the electronic medical record software can increase and decrease. Then there is manageability, which the benefits of the electronic medical record work for businesses. When adding new software the technology may need to require more attention than needed.
HIPAA requires to have a certain amount of people who have to access to his or her personal information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule makes certain exceptions to authorize the release of protected health information. You do not have the right to consent or object when you information is used for treatment, payment, or other operations from your health care provider.
Some health information is stored in electronic format, which is also covered by HIPAA, and this means that the protected health information is safe electronically between the plan and the providers. Since the electronic health records have sensitivity of health information, privacy and sercurity are concerns. Because of the rising health costs and the need to reduce the amount of medical errors, it is time for the electron health record system to be followed and updated.